Where's Tex?

WE DID IT!

2007-07-20T18:32:00.001-05:00

WOW! What a day. Tex has returned safely to his new home at the Museum of Nature & Science! In fact, he was ushered into his brand-new, renovated gallery today with the help of students from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD's After the Bell program. They created the roar heard 'round North Texas, and it worked! Tex appeared and seemed happy to be home.

We even got the big appearance on tape. Enjoy!

Here, Nicole Small, CEO of the Museum, talked to the students about dinosaurs in general and Tex in particular.

The students roared and roared, and what do you know, there he was! The crowd gasped as the immense Tex was revealed.

Lots of kids eagerly sported their new "I helped find Tex" T-shirts. You can get one, too! Just fill out the T.rex Trivia sheet and bring it to the Museum tomorrow or Sunday during Discovery Fest.

Be sure to stop by and say "hi" to Tex. He's had quite an exciting two weeks. Hopefully he won't leave us again. But if he does, we know we can count on you to help track him down.

Word on the street

2007-07-20T07:28:00.000-05:00

Rumors abound that Tex is making his way back to Fair Park. We hope so, because the new Texas Dinosaurs exhibit hall and fossil dig is scheduled to open TOMORROW in time for Discovery Fest. His new home is in the Science Building (formerly known as The Science Place) of the Museum of Nature & Science. We'll be on watch all day eagerly awaiting his return and will keep you posted!

In the meantime, here are some fun facts:

• The original name for Tyrannosaurus rex was Dynamosaurus imperiosus. Dynamosaurus imperiosus was found in 1900 in Wyoming but the remains were very fragmentary. Later, after more complete skeletons of Tyrannosaurus rex were found it was recognized that these specimens were all the same animal. The name Tyrannosaurus rex stayed because of the enormous popularity already gained by the animal.
• Despite what popular movies have said, there is no evidence to suggest that Tyrannosaurus rex could not see moving prey.
• Tyrannosaurus rex remains are only known from North America.

How cool is that?

2007-07-20T07:26:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the person who named Tyrannosaurus rex was Henry Fairfield Osborn of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City? Keep digging in the backyard, kiddos, and YOU could discover the next big thing!

Tex Simpson?

2007-07-19T12:03:00.000-05:00

It seems like everyone in Dallas has made the pilgrimage, and Tex is no exception...he just HAD to go see the new Kwik-E-Mart!

All those donuts...mmmmmmmmm...made him long for some exercise, though, so he ran on down to the West End.

What an adventure. Hopefully he'll mosey on back to the Museum of Nature & Science soon!

Uptown Tex

2007-07-19T00:03:00.000-05:00

The name Tyrannosaurus rex means "tyrant lizard." Looks like Tex was forcefully ruling over the McKinney Avenue Trolley today. Watch out, tourists!

Factoids galore

2007-07-18T23:59:00.000-05:00

Did you know...

• The Museum of Nature and Science skeleton is a replica of an actual skeleton found in eastern Montana.
• The skull of Tyrannosaurus rex was up to 5 feet long.
• The hands of Tyrannosaurus rex had only two fingers per hand.

Remember to fill out the T.rex Trivia sheet and bring to the Museum this Saturday or Sunday to redeem for a free T-shirt (while supplies last)!

Dino on the lam

2007-07-18T23:57:00.001-05:00

Tex popped by the Dallas Zoo today to visit some of his distant, still-existing relatives.

Watch out, Tex!!!

2007-07-17T15:35:00.000-05:00

Tex snuck in the back row of the Dallas Children's Theater to see a wildly funny performance of "Pinkerton!!!" Doesn't he know he should stay far, far away from there? After all, Pinkerton the dog has been known to chew on dinosaur bones! Hopefully he made it out of there safely. Thanks to all the theatergoers who spotted Tex's footprint:

Antonette Wilson politely stood to the side of the evidence.

Bella Difazio is happy to be able to help with the search.

Patriotic Caitlyn and Cassidy Hodo smile with the track.

Joshlynn, Jamie, Sam, Zoe and KC Knight found the print AND helped out by holding up "Lost Pet" signs.

Emily Stolley smiles big for the camera.

Hannah Roberson shows off her pearly whites. Did you know that unlike humans, Tyrannosaurus rex replaced its teeth throughout its life? Tyrannosaurus rex may have replaced its teeth every 2-3 years. Must've kept the Tooth Fairy verrrrry busy!

Sweet Saybin Garcia saw the flyer and then found a clue!

Denton dino

2007-07-17T14:11:00.000-05:00

Tex made his way north for some higher learning.

Downtown dino

2007-07-17T13:57:00.000-05:00

Tex was spotted walking right by the Majestic Theatre today!

In fact, T.rexes have been prominently featured in blockbuster films for decades. Tyrannosaurus rex first appeared on the big screen in the 1925 silent film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World.

Homesick?

2007-07-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

Tex's tracks were sighted right in Fair Park! Could he be ready to return home?

Andrew Pietsch is astounded to see a T.rex footprint.

He investigates with his Grandma Betty, and brother Eric.

Tex hams it up

2007-07-16T09:25:00.001-05:00

Tex seems to be enjoying his new-found celebrity! He spent this weekend making the rounds to several media outlets.

First up was The Dallas Morning News.

Then, WFAA's new Victory studio.

Next, a cruise by the Observer's gleaming offices.

And finally, he stopped over at Fox 4.

Who could be next? We'll stay hot on the trail!

Reader suggestion

2007-07-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to Timea Goldberg, who sent us this helpful note and photo:

"I don't know where Tex is, but maybe he went to visit some of his relatives out by Glen Rose?"

Maybe, Timea. Anything's possible. Thanks for your thoughts!

Mayor Tex?

2007-07-12T18:35:00.000-05:00

There's new leadership at City Hall, but I don't think this is what voters had in mind. Don't worry, it looks like Tex just wanted to take a dip in the pond on Marilla Street. Weighing approximately 12,000 pounds, a T.rex is probably more likely to CREATE potholes than to FIX them!

Wild About Tex

2007-07-12T17:39:00.001-05:00

Well, Tex was all OVER the place on this sunny summer day. He started his adventure by trying to snag a snazzy iPhone from the Apple Store on Knox Street.

All that phone-Internet-surfing must've made him hungry. He quickly found his way to hot dogs and frozen custard! Did you know that based on the anatomy of the inside of the skull, Tyrannosaurus rex probably had a keen sense of smell and vision? I guess divine restaurants and beautiful people make Dallas a good place for a T.rex to be.

After plenty of greasy goodness, it looks like he was ready to relax and read. Here, Richard Neal saw evidence of Tex by Zeus Comics on Oak Lawn. Check out Richard's festive footwear!

Next it was time to stock up on bone-strengthening supplements at Fitness Essentials with Nick and Karen.

Maybe Tex was missing the Museum atmosphere. He was clearly trying to peek in the window of the Crow Collection of Asian Art downtown. Do you think he thought he saw a relative?

Tex must have learned something about the importance of taking care of your body during the Museum's Body Worlds exhibition, because he stopped by the Farmer's Market to pick up some delicious fresh fruit and veggies. Way to go, Tex!

Did you know...

2007-07-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

The teeth of Tyrannosaurus rex can be up to 6 inches long and are ideal for eating meat. Maybe that explains why we spotted Tex in Victory Park last night – he's headed straight for N9NE Steakhouse!

Tex Swings By Park Cities

2007-07-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

An observant family spotted Tex tracks on University Boulevard. Mom Lynn Mattie Haskel was the first to check it out.

Then, Alex and Michael Haskel analyzed the situation but they still couldn't figure out where he had gone.

We're that much closer to finding him, though. Remember, if you see tracks in your area, snap a picture and e-mail it to us. If we work together, we can find him!

Tex Visits Dallas Libraries

2007-07-11T17:27:00.000-05:00

Looks like Tex had a busy day! First, he stopped by the Oak Lawn Branch Library and found some interesting books. Can you see what he was reading?

Next he ventured over to the Lakewood Branch Library. He was gone by the time the reading kids got there, but they were able to investigate his tracks.

Lillian and Eddie Rodriguez help spread the word about Tex's disappearance by holding up a "Lost Pet" flyer.

Mason and Alden Daniels are excited to have found a clue.

Miss Karen is shocked, SHOCKED to see dinosaur tracks at the library!

Look what Caitanya Burleson stumbled upon.

Elizabeth Anne McPherson's and Polly Hinds-Riddle's grins are almost as big as the footprints.

Hazel and Lula Johnson strike a prehistoric pose.

Kellen and Keira Zellmer are scared of the giant dinosaur running around town!

Miss Susie of the Lakewood Branch Library smiles with King and Olive Colten.

Silly Shanna Stetson is proud of her discovery!

Tracks Spotted

2007-07-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

Well, he's gone. Really gone. We discovered footprints just outside his room at the Museum.

Tex Is Missing!

2007-07-11T08:20:00.000-05:00

In a shocking development this morning, Tex, the Museum of Nature & Science's famous T.rex, was discovered missing. We need your help finding him quickly! His new home, a renovated Texas Dinosaurs exhibit and fossil dig, is scheduled to open during the first-ever Discovery Fest celebration on July 21 and 22, 2007.

Fresh footprints were spotted by Museum staff near the lagoon in Fair Park this morning. Tex may be in your neighborhood soon. If you see any sign of him, take a picture and e-mail it to us. We'll be posting your sightings daily.

Why would Tex leave? We're not sure, but sources close to Tex tell us he has been scared because his home is undergoing big changes. There's been lots of construction and loud noises lately during the Museum's overhaul, so he bolted!

Let's show Tex how much we care about him by learning more about his kind. Okay? Great!

We'll be posting new facts about T.rexes every day. We also have a T.rex Trivia sheet that you can download here.

Print out the trivia form and visit this site daily to find the answers. Fill out your form and then bring it to the Museum of Nature & Science on July 21 or 22 during Discovery Fest and exchange it for a FREE T-SHIRT while supplies last.

Here's our first fact: The first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton was discovered in Montana in 1905. Of course, that's just when humans discovered it. T. rexes lived during the Cretaceous period, about 65 to 85 million years ago. WOW!